Kelowna

A 21-year-old Kelowna man has been charged with Uttering Threats and Assault with a Weapon following a incident in an alley near Richter Street and Wardlaw Avenue 10 days ago.

Photo: Contributed - RCMP

Real firearm and replica firearm side by side. Can you tell the difference?

Apparently the suspect, Jordon Jones, pointed the gun in the alley shortly before 1 p.m. on the afternoon of January 19 and was arrested without incident.

Police say a replica handgun was seized, however, RCMP indicate the handgun was incredibly realistic, even up close.

"One of the officers happened to own the real version of the exact model seized and a comparison between the two shows how easily one could be mistaken for the other, even in ideal conditions," says Cst. Kris Clark.

"Police don't have the luxury of examining a suspect's weapon before engaging them and have to rely on their knowledge, experience and perceptions in order to respond. When faced with the apparent threat of a firearm the results could be disastrous."